Fashion
DRESS UP TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
Happy 17th anniversary Khaas Baat! Thank you to all readers for your love over these years, I am grateful to be part of this lovely community necessity.
August is also a beautiful month because it begins our Indian and Hindu holiday season. With Eid just passing, coming up is India’s Independence Day on the 15th, Raksha Bandhan on the 22nd and finally Janamashtmi on the 30th of this month. Let’s feel and look the part too, celebrating with our family, friends and community.
JAI HIND
It’s India’s 74th Independence Day observation this year. Dress the part in India’s patriotic colors. A trident of orange, white and green, the colors are actually flowy when worn together, nature’s colors really.
To keep in line with a natural form, keep your look clean and minimalistic when wearing these hues at the same time. An orange sari (a very now color this season) with white sequin or chikankari work will look pretty with a forest green blouse. For a more summer vibe, opt for a sea green or aqua blouse instead. Wear a straight pants or salwar suit in white with contrasting coordinates in green and orange.
For a not-so-bold look, wear one color and use your accessories to match India’s pretty flag combo. A mint green suit or lengha with white heels and orange lips/eyeshadow will do just right and remain oh-so-patriotic!
SIBLING LOVE
How beautiful the occasion of Raksha Bandhan is! It’s an occasion of a sister’s appreciation of her brother protecting her throughout life and a brother’s respect of keeping his sister safe, happy. To dress up for this, dress fun and vibrant!
A gray lengha with multi-color jewels/stonework is festive. A suit in a vivid neon tone is lovely with a subtle dupatta and jewels. Jewelry, too, can be bright if your ensemble isn’t so much. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds, embedded in gold or silver, will all shine for this special day.
KRISHNA IS BORN
Janamashtmi is the celebration and holy festival of the birth of Krishna. It’s a beautiful day filled with sometimes fasting, prayer, chanting, singing, dancing and pure love.
We are midway through summer in Florida and it’s hot. To keep your cool and still celebrate fully, opt for cotton or linen looks. They can look just as fancy and sparkly with light embellishments. Allover threadwork or zari design in contrasting colors and even metallic hues will make your outfit look heavier than it is. Mirror work on kurtis, saris (or cholis) or dupattas will reflect light and brighten all up. Add some glittery shoes and makeup, a light jewel set and you’re ready to be a standout at any gathering planned!
Enjoy the start of the Indian holiday season and continue it through and through this year. Please keep representing your heritage and your culture wearing clothes from where you are. I’m noticing so many occasions as of late promoting American dress codes. But it’s good to promote an East-West mix and not just belong to one place. Wear both Indian and American clothing with passion, happiness and celebration. And, as always, remember to ‘gro’ with style!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, an Indian Boutique (www.grostyles.com), can be reached at (813) 843-9040 or [email protected]